Routine EEG
An EEG is a test that examines brainwaves using safe, painless equipment. Your doctor thinks that there is a possibility you have a condition that might produce abnormal results on an EEG.
You will not feel any pain or electrical impulses from the EEG test. Small metal disks (electrodes) will be adhered to your scalp with a special kind of paste; these electrodes are attached to wires that plug into the equipment. The equipment captures your brain waves, and your technologist will look for abnormal activity. You may be asked to look at a picture or a flashing light or asked to breathe quickly. You may be asked to try to go to sleep, and the test will be over in 30-60 minutes.
Please come with clean hair, absent of any products like gel, mousse, or hairspray. Continue to take all current medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Ambulatory EEG
Our office will call you to schedule an appointment at your home or your doctor’s office. Your ambulatory EEG will last between 24 and 72 hours, depending on the doctor’s order.
You will not feel any pain or electrical impulses from the EEG test. Small metal disks (electrodes) will be adhered to your scalp with a special kind of gel adhesive; these electrodes are attached to wires that plug into the portable equipment that is worn at the waist, or placed in a backpack for children. The equipment captures your brain waves, and your technologist will look for abnormal activity.
Your ambulatory video EEG will last between 24 and 72 hours, depending on your doctor’s order.
Please be ready with clean hair, absent of any products such as gel, mousse, or hairspray. We recommend that you wear a button-up shirt so that you can change clothes during your study.
You may go about your normal daily activities as long as they do not interfere with the equipment. There is a video camera that you will point at yourself as you move from room to room. You will also be asked to keep a diary of your daily activities, and there is a button on the equipment that you press if you experience any of the symptoms you and your doctor have discussed.
You may not shower or bathe or do anything that might get the equipment wet; that is why we recommend that you wear a button-up shirt so that you can change clothes. Avoid strenuous activities such as jogging. You may not adjust or remove the electrodes.
“I was nervous about getting a test I had never heard of before, but they [US EEG] explained everything to me before they did it and told me what to expect. It didn’t hurt at all, and the time went by quickly since I could do most of my regular activities. I even went to work!”
“My neurologist and I had been struggling to figure out why my seizures weren’t responding to medication. After the 72-hour ambulatory EEG, she discovered that I needed to be on a different type of medication. Now my seizures are under control and I am feeling like myself again.”
“Our six-year old was scheduled for an ambulatory EEG, and we didn’t know if she would tolerate it. She doesn’t have a long attention span, and getting her to sit still can be a challenge. Thankfully, the technician was so patient, and spent extra time with her so she would feel more comfortable. The results of the test have helped us and the doctor come up with a successful treatment plan.”